As the Christmas travel season begins, transport authorities stepped up safety checks at a major bus terminal in Dagupan City by conducting random drug tests on public transport workers early Monday, December 15, 2025.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 1, together with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 1, led the surprise drug testing as part of the kickoff activities for Oplan Pasko 2025. The operation covered not only bus drivers and conductors, but also drivers of vans, tricycles, and modern jeepneys to ensure passenger safety during the expected surge of holiday travelers.

LTO Region 1 Director Glorioso Daniel Martinez said the activity aims to keep roads safe during the busy season.

“So ginagawa natin itong random drug testing para masigurado na drug free ang ating kakalsadahan,” Martinez said.

Around 100 drivers, conductors, and transport employees underwent the random drug tests. Authorities said anyone who tests positive will still be subjected to confirmatory testing by the Department of Health Region 1.

According to the LTO, those who test positive in the confirmatory test may face charges for violating Republic Act 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, and could have their driver’s licenses revoked.

Some drivers welcomed the move, saying it protects both commuters and transport workers.

“Kasi alang-alang po sa mga passengers. Dapat safe po yung biyahe. Wala pong makikitang gumagamit ng drug po,” Arnel Castro, a bus jockey, said.

“Ok naman para malaman kung sino ang mga ok na drug test ganun,” Egan Uly Ratcho, a van driver, added.

Aside from drug testing, PDEA also deployed its K9 unit to conduct sweeping operations inside the terminal. PDEA Region 1 Chief Administrative Officer, Atty. Marvin Tavares, said the operation aims to prevent illegal drugs from entering transport hubs.

“Ang purpose naman nito is to make sure na itong mga transport terminals natin ay walang illegal drugs. Kasama natin ang mga courier companies, so iniikutan din nila ngayon,” Tavares said.

Authorities said similar inspections will continue in other terminals across the region as part of heightened security measures for the holiday season.